You reach for the light switch and… nothing. A quick glance at the clock reveals it’s after 6 PM, which means your residential power is out. You’re not alone. Millions of people experience a power outage every year, and for many, it’s during storm season that their lights go out.
If you live in an area particularly prone to storms, chances are you’ve considered investing in a generator. But do they really work? What kind should you get? What should you look for in terms of power output? These are great questions and ones we’ll tackle today.
In this article, we’ll give you an overview of why power outages happen and tips on how to shop for a generator so that the next time your lights go out, you can have peace of mind knowing your backup plan is ready to go.
What Is a Generator?
When storm season is in full swing, power outages are all too common. With the right preparation, you can make sure you and your family stay safe and comfortable during a power loss. And one of the best preparations for storm season is to get a generator for your home.
But what exactly is a generator? In short, it’s a machine that produces electricity from fuel sources like gas and propane. Generators come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose one according to the size of your home and your power needs.
Portable generators are typically smaller, run on gasoline and can be used in the case of short-term outages or if you need to take power for camping or outdoor events. On the other hand, standby generators are much larger, run on lp/propane fuel and are installed permanently outside of your home. They’re best for long-term outages as they automatically kick on shortly after the power goes out.
Different Types of Generators: Standby, Home, Commercial, Portable
When it comes to dealing with power outages due to bad weather, a generator can be your saving grace. However, before you make the purchase, it’s important to know what type of generator is right for your situation. Here’s a quick look at the different types of generators to consider.
Standby Generators: These are hardwired into your home’s electrical system and are designed to kick in as soon as the power goes out. They’re best for those who want uninterrupted electricity during a storm, but they come with a pricier price tag.
Home Generators: These tend to be smaller than standby generators and can run on either natural gas or liquid propane. These are more affordable than standby units, but not quite as powerful — so if you’re looking for something to last through the whole storm, this may not be your best bet.
Commercial Generators: If you have larger power needs due to your business operations or other reasons, then you should consider investing in a commercial generator — these are strong enough to power multiple appliances and equipment at once.
Portable Generators: Finally, there are portable generators which are great for camping or short-term outages. They’re small in size and easy to transport — just keep in mind that they don’t have quite the same level of power output as their larger counterparts.
Benefits of Having a Generator
If you’re looking for ways to protect your business from power outages—especially during storm season—you might want to consider getting a generator. There are a few benefits of having a backup generator that you should keep in mind:
Uninterrupted power
When the lights go out, your business can still run if you have a commercial backup generator installed. As long as your generator has fuel, it will provide you with the power you need so that your operations don’t have to be halted during a power outage.
Affordable
Generators have come down in price in recent years, making them more affordable than ever before. And if you’re worried about the cost of installation and maintenance, there are plenty of reliable companies with competitive rates.
Easily installed
Another plus is that they can be installed anywhere—backyards, rooftops or loading docks; wherever is most convenient for your business. This makes them an ideal solution for businesses that experience frequent power outages due to storms or other natural disasters.
With these benefits in mind, it’s easy to see why having a commercial backup generator is such a great option for powering through storm season without any interruption to your operations.
How to Choose the Right Generator for You
When thinking about what generator to get, it’s important to keep your needs in mind. Home generators typically come in either portable or standby options. Portable generators are usually smaller and cheaper, but can be loud and messy since they run on gas or propane, so if you’re close to neighbors, you might want to think twice before choosing a portable generator. On the other hand, standby generators are quieter and more efficient, but cost a bit more money upfront.
There’s also the “wattage” factor to take into account when considering a generator:
- A small generator could power essentials like your refrigerator and some lights, but not your AC unit.
- At medium wattage (between 5,000-7,500 watts), you’ll be able to power most lighting and also your basic appliances.
- If you’re looking to power entire homes or multiple devices at once (upwards of 10k watts), then you’ll need to go with a larger generator model.
No matter which size or type of generator you go with, make sure it’s certified by an independent testing laboratory like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This is important because that means it meets safety standards set by the US government — so it will work reliably when the going gets tough!
Installing and Maintaining Your Generator
If you’ve decided to purchase a generator for storm season and power outages, you have to consider its installation and maintenance. This can get a little tricky, since many people don’t have much experience with generators.
No problem—here’s what you need to know.
Choosing a Location
It’s not just about the space you have for your generator; it’s about the safety of the people around it. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and at least three feet away from the house and any windows, vents or doors to minimize potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fueling Your Generator
Most generators run on propane or gasoline, though some models use diesel fuel or natural gas. Check with your manufacturer to make sure you’re using the right fuel for your machine. You’ll also need an appropriate gas storage container that meets all local building codes if you plan on storing fuel on-site.
Maintenance Tips
Your generator needs regular maintenance, especially when it comes to changing its engine oil and cleaning its air filter. For more specific instructions, consult your generator’s manual—it should provide details on how often these routine upkeep tasks need to be done so that your generator is running in top shape for every storm season and power outage.
Proper Safety Practices When Using Generators
When storms hit and the power goes out, it’s important to have a plan in place. Generators can be a great way to provide an emergency power supply—but it’s essential you take the right safety precautions.
Know the Power Source
It’s critical you make sure your generator is properly connected, so you don’t accidentally feed electricity back into the public grid from your generator. This can happen if you connect directly without using a transfer switch or if the wrong type of electrical connection is used.
Keep it Outdoor
Generators must be operated outside, away from open windows or doors, to prevent exhaust fumes from entering your home and putting people at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The generator should also be kept in a dry place away from heavy rain or water sources.
Taking all these steps will help ensure that your family stays safe while keeping your home powered during an outage:
- Make sure the generator is at least 15 feet away from any open windows, doors and vents of your home.
- Run an extension cord to appliances that require power rather than plugging them directly into the generator outlets.
- Inspect cords for cuts, frays and other damage before using them with the generator.
- Be aware of children and pets near the generator and keep them away at all times while it’s in use—an operating generator can be noisy and dangerous!
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of sparks or flames coming from the machine itself or anything attached to it such as extension cords.
By following these precautions, you can rest assured that your family and home will stay safe during storm
Conclusion
Overall, when it comes to power outages, the best solution you have is a generator that is prepared to keep you and your family safe. Whether that’s a standby generator or a portable one, a commercial one or a home generator, it’s important to make the right choice to ensure your family’s safety and convenience during storm season.
Knowing which generator is the right one for you will take research, but it is definitely worth the effort and time you put into it. Investing in a generator to make sure that you and your family have power when the lights go out is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Not only are you handling a power outage in the most efficient way, but you’re also helping the environment by not wasting energy that’s not being used. So, take the necessary steps to guarantee the safety of your family this storm season, and get the perfect generator for you and your home.